Alternatives to Mobile Internet
Cellular, Wi-Fi, and satellite are not the only ways to get online while enjoying life on the road.
If you are willing to get a little creative or experimental, there are a few other less obvious alternatives too.
If you are willing to get a little flexible with what “mobile” and “internet” mean, you may have more options than you ever imagined to stay connected to the things you need to.
First, before we get started, here are the primary mobile internet options:
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Cable / DSL / WISP Installation
Being mobile doesn’t necessarily mean having to use only mobile internet!
Cable/DSL
If you’re planning to be in one spot for a while, sometimes hooking directly up to fixed, wired cable or DSL is a possibility.
RV parks and mobile home parks with RV spaces that cater to long-term residents and permanent dwellers sometimes already have cable pulled to each site, and all it takes is contacting the local cable or DSL provider to get service switched on and have them bring you the necessary modem.
Some newer RV resorts are also offering hardwired internet to sites.
The park may not advertise this as an amenity, so you probably need to ask. Start by looking for parks that offer cable TV, seasonal rates, or advertise as being a resort. Depending on the provider, the costs to get started can be very reasonable. Since there are often not any long-term contracts required to get service, you can cancel after just a few weeks or months or two without penalties. And you can usually rent the equipment for a few dollars a month, instead of buying it. But if you find yourself signing up for cable internet often, many providers utilize the same modem standard – so it may be worthwhile buying a cable modem and keeping it onboard for quicker activation.
The advantage of going with cable or DSL is gaining access to fast and essentially unlimited internet. After rationing out bandwidth on the road for months on end, spending a few weeks drinking from the firehose can feel incredibly decadent and absolutely awesome! Temporarily embracing a wired lifestyle can sometimes be very worth it for us bandwidth junkies – perfect for hyper-focusing on a work project before heading back out on the road!
Caution: When you rip yourself away from unlimited fast bandwidth again, you may whimper.
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Check out the Topics Covered in the Member Section:
WISP - Wireless Internet Service Providers
WISPs - Wireless Internet Service Providers - may be an option for temporary fixed-location service, even in places beyond where cable and DSL providers reach.
Co-Working Spaces
An overview of resources for co-working spaces for independent workers.
Amateur Ham Radio
Ideas for licensed ham radio operator with the correct equipment.
Borrowing a Hotspot
Unique ways to "borrow" a hotspot for temporary use.
Satellite Communicators
Basic satellite message services may be a good option if your primary concern is being able to keep connected for safety, trip coordination, or checking the weather.
Concierge Services, Personal Assistants, Planning in Advance
Sometimes the best way to get stuff done online is to let someone else do it for you.
Video Overview
Conclusion: Consider non-traditional mobile internet options
Sometimes, mobile internet isn't the only way to go! If you're confronted with poor cellular, WiFi, or satellite internet, thinking outside the realm of typical solutions could cause you to stumble upon some new ways of allowing you to complete internet-based tasks.
Additional Reading
Related Guides
Explore the Resource Center
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Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of